The project has also significantly improved employment opportunities—especially for women—in the post-harvest fisheries sector

Cambodia’s Fisheries Sector Transformed as EU CAPFISH-Capture Project Concludes

CAMBODIA
Thursday, October 16, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

$4 Million Initiative Elevates Quality, Employment, and Sustainability in Post-Harvest Fisheries

PHNOM PENH – The successful completion of the EU CAPFISH-Capture: Post-harvest Fisheries Development project was announced on Monday, October 13, 2025, marking a significant milestone for Cambodia’s fisheries sector. The initiative, a collaboration between the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF), the European Union (EU), and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), ran under the theme “Transforming Cambodia Fisheries for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth.”

The project has advanced the sector toward greater competitiveness, safety, and community-driven development, demonstrating potential for replication across other value chains. Since its inception, it has significantly boosted local fishery production through enhanced safety, quality, and innovation, while expanding market access.

Measurable Impact and Certification Gains

Key achievements highlight the project's impact:

• 22 enterprises have earned the Cambodia Quality Seal (CQS).

• Four enterprises hold the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) certification.

• These gains have resulted in more nutritious products for consumers, along with better jobs, higher incomes, and stronger competitiveness for Cambodian businesses and communities.

The project also significantly improved employment opportunities—especially for women—in the post-harvest fisheries sector. Small-scale fish processors and rural enterprises gained access to upgraded technologies, training, research, and market opportunities, allowing for sustainable growth and meaningful contributions to the local and national economy.

H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries

A Focus on Inclusion and Sustainability

Sustainability and inclusion were central to the project's mission. Environmentally responsible practices, such as solar drying, were promoted, and processors were encouraged to comply with safety standards. The commitment to inclusive entrepreneurship and ethical labour standards is clear: of the 64 supported fish processing enterprises, 46 are led by women and three by persons with disabilities.

By strengthening domestic production and promoting local consumption, the project has reduced Cambodia’s reliance on imported fishery products and enhanced its competitiveness in both local and global markets. These efforts directly support national food safety and contribute to broader regional food security.

H.E. Igor DRIESMANS, EU Ambassador to Cambodia

Voices on the Project’s Legacy

Mr. Dejene Tezera, Director of Agribusiness and Infrastructure Development at UNIDO, stated, "The EU CAPFISH-Capture project has generated tangible socio-economic impact by improving food safety, expanding market access, enhancing livelihoods, and creating jobs within a more inclusive and sustainable fisheries sector. This is a showcase of UNIDO’s mandate of inclusive and sustainable industrial development.”

H.E. Igor Driesmans, EU Ambassador to Cambodia, emphasised the collaborative spirit, saying, “Beyond the project metrics and milestones, most importantly, EU CAPFISH-Capture has built trust. It has fostered dialogue, cooperation, and partnership among institutions, civil society, and private sector actors. It has demonstrated that donor-funded projects can and must have local ownership and entrepreneurship to be impactful.”

H.E. Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, concluded, “The success of the EU CAPFISH-Capture project reflects how Cambodia’s fisheries sector is evolving—anchored in quality, sustainability, and inclusion. What we achieved together with our partners is not just improved products, but improved lives. MAFF remains committed to scaling these results nationwide.”

As the project concludes, its legacy is expected to continue shaping the future of Cambodia’s fisheries sector and inspire similar progress across other industries.

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